The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of Ahenjir Emmanuella, a final-year student of Kwararafa University in Wukari, Taraba State, killed by a stray bullet from a policeman during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, Benue State capital. The incident occurred around 11 am on Friday near the Wurukum roundabout.
According to reports, police personnel were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation when one officer suddenly opened fire on a commercial vehicle, resulting in Emmanuella’s death. Her friend, Igbor Iorbo, narrated that Emmanuella was returning to school in Wukari when the incident happened.
The police command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, stated that the officers were responding to a distress call and had flagged down a vehicle, which drove off without stopping, shooting sporadically. The police responded with a shot, and the vehicle drove away. Anene added that an investigation has been ordered into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has assured the family and friends of the deceased of his commitment to unraveling the truth and ensuring the rule of law prevails. Emmanuella’s friend demanded justice, saying, “Lives must not continue to be lost at the hands of those sworn to protect us. This must end now.”
